Healthy Banana Pancakes with Protein

Name: Healthy Banana Pancakes with Protein
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Ingredients: 1 cup oats; 2 tablespoons chia seeds; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup egg whites; 1 large ripe banana; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder (optional)

Published: November 28, 2022 | Updated: November 28, 2022 | 72 Comments | Jump to Recipe

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These healthy Banana Protein Pancakes can be whipped together in a matter of 10 minutes and only a blender is required! Made with oatmeal and banana, they’re high in protein and fibre, making for an ultra filling and healthy breakfast. Say hello to your new favourite pancakes! {Gluten-free & dairy-free}

Stack of protein pancakes with banana, peanut butter and chocolate chips.

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Banana Protein Pancakes Recipe

Protein pancakes are one of those foods that I’ve always loved at breakfast time.

I’ve done my fair share of pancake experiments over the years, and out of all my pancake experiments, these super easy banana protein pancakes are definitely one of my go-to recipes, along with these Healthy Pumpkin Pancakes, which are great for the Fall!

Loaded with simple ingredients like oatmeal, banana, eggs, and protein powder, these healthy banana pancakes are not only super tasty, but are also a good source of protein and fibre, and so easy to make! And did I mention, they’re great for meal prep?

You can’t go wrong with this simple power-packed breakfast option!

For more healthy pancake recipes, check out these Chocolate Protein Pancakes and Strawberry Banana Pancakes!

Why We Love These High Protein Banana Pancakes

No added sugar: They’re naturally sweetened with bananas, so no additional sugar is required. No added sugar equals more awesomeness for your body. Enough said.

Full of protein: There’s about 20 grams of protein for a serving of four pancakes, which is much more than regular pancakes. As a Dietitian, you have no clue how many conversations I have with people trying to get them to up their protein intake at breakfast time. These pancakes help solve the protein problem.

Packed with fibre: The banana, oats and chia seeds add a dose of fibre to these pancakes. Fibre equals fullness.

Blender pancakes: You make the batter in a blender. That’s right. Throw all of the ingredients in a blender and press start. It’s that simple.

Easily customizable: You can eat these fluffy banana protein pancakes plain because they resemble that banana bread kind of taste. Or if you’re feeling decadent, you can top them up with with all the things.

Ingredients for Protein Pancakes

So let’s get to the ingredients list because I know you’re dying to know what goes into these healthy pancakes ;)

Ingredients for banana protein pancakes recipe on a marble background.

Oats: Are blended into an oat flour to provide that pancake consistency. Use quick or rolled oats.
Chia seeds: Incorporate extra fibre and healthy fats into the pancake batter. You can use ground or whole chia seeds, or sub in ground flax seeds.
Eggs: Help bind the pancakes together while acting as a source of protein. Brown or white large eggs can be used.
Egg whites: Used as a substitute for additional eggs to provide extra protein to the pancakes, while reducing saturated fat. You can use the egg whites from whole eggs and save the egg yolks or purchase a carton.
Banana: Adds natural sweetness and moisture to the pancakes. Use ripe bananas for the best flavour.
Baking powder: Helps the pancakes become more light and fluffy.
Flavouring agents: Cinnamon, salt and vanilla extract incorporate extra flavour to the pancakes.
Protein powder: This is optional, but will provide an extra boost of protein. You can use whey or a plant-based protein powder.

How To Make Protein Pancakes – Step by Step Instructions

Add all of the ingredients for the pancakes to a high-speed blender.

Ingredients for banana protein pancakes added to a blender.

Mix together all of the ingredients until combined and smooth.

Blended protein pancake batter in a blender.

Preheat griddle or a large nonstick skillet to medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray or use a bit of coconut oil. Using a tablespoon, scoop pancake mixture on the pan so it forms a medium-sized circle (use about 2 heaping tablespoons of pancakes mixture for each pancake).
Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side or until edges start to harden and bubbles start to form on top of the pancake.

Banana protein pancakes cooking in a frying pan ready to be flipped.

Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until golden brown. Serve warm with your favourite toppings.

Cooked protein pancakes in a frying pan.

It literally takes 10 minutes to whip these babies up!

Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!

Tips for the Best Protein Pancakes

Use an overripe banana to infuse maximum sweetness into these pancakes. I like to store any overripe spotty bananas that are about to go bad in the freezer. They come in handy for recipes like these!

You can use egg whites from a whole egg or purchase a carton of egg whites. We always like to have a carton of egg whites in the fridge to incorporate into things like omelettes or pancakes.

If you include the protein powder, try to look for one that’s low in sugar and has minimal processed ingredients. I generally like to use the Vegan Vanilla Protein Powder by Genuine Health.

If the pancake batter is sitting for a while, it may start to thicken up slightly. You can thin it out by adding a bit of regular milk or a milk alternative such as almond milk.

Up close image of a stack of banana protein pancakes with banana, peanut butter and chocolate chips.

Recipe FAQs

What type of oats should I use?

You can use large flake oats or quick oats for the purpose of this recipe. The only type of oats that I don’t recommend are steel cut since they are too hard and won’t blend well to form a smooth pancake batter.

Why do my protein pancakes fall apart?

It’s possible that the pan isn’t quite hot enough so you may need to turn up the heat so that the pancakes become firm enough on one side before flipping.

The other reason the pancakes may be falling apart is that you might be trying to flip them too soon after pouring the pancake batter on the cooking surface. It’s generally best to leave them alone until you see bubbles start to form on the surface of the pancakes. When you reach this point, you can flip the pancakes.

Can you make protein pancakes with protein powder?

Definitely! The protein powder increases the protein content and adds some additional sweetness, especially if you use a flavoured variety. You can use a whey protein powder or a plant-based protein powder depending on your dietary preferences.

What type of protein powder should I use?

I’ve personally tested out this recipe using whey and a vegan protein powder, both vanilla flavoured and the unflavoured variety. I tend to prefer the vanilla protein powder as it makes the pancakes a bit sweeter and gives them more flavour, but you can certainly use unflavoured if you prefer.

Do I have to use protein powder?

If you don’t have any protein powder on hand or prefer not to use it, you don’t have to add it in. Keep in mind that it will increase the protein content of these pancakes in addition to the eggs and egg whites. If you choose not to incorporate it, the protein content will be slightly lower.

Can you freeze protein pancakes?

Yes, I love freezing protein pancakes for a quick and easy breakfast or snack! You can freeze them for up to three months in a freezer safe bag or container. If you’re stacking the pancakes, separate them with parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together.

Stack of protein pancakes topped with banana slices and peanut butter dripping down the sides.

How to Store

Refrigerator: These banana protein pancakes can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container or covered with saran wrap for up to four days.

Freezer: Alternatively, you can freeze them in a freezer-friendly container or Ziploc bag for up to one month.

How to Reheat High Protein Pancakes

You can reheat the pancakes by either popping them in the microwave for a couple of minutes or placing them in the toaster or toaster oven until heated through.

Toppings for Banana Oatmeal Protein Pancakes

Now pancakes wouldn’t be all that exciting without those delicious toppings.

Here are some tasty ideas:

Fresh banana slices
Natural peanut butter or almond butter
Hemp hearts
Chocolate chips
Shredded coconut
Maple syrup
Chia seed jam
Berries
Other fresh fruit

The options really are endless.

The best part is, you can switch up the flavour profile for any given day!

Recipe Variations

Add fruit: Mix some blueberries or diced strawberries into the blended batter before cooking the pancakes.
Add chocolate chips: You can toss some chocolate chips right in the batter for extra chocolatey flavour.
For extra protein: Add some hemp hearts, extra protein powder, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese.

A hand digging into a stack of pancakes with a fork.

Looking for other delicious recipes? Check these out:

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Course Breakfast